Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-LaFeO3 Powders by a Softchemistry Method and Corresponding Ceramics

24 PAGES (4640 WORDS) Chemistry Article/Essay

Abstract.

Solid State Ionics 231 (2013) 43–48. (DOI: 10.1016/j.ssi.2012.10.017).

The preparation of a nano-sized LaFeO3 powder by a soft-chemistry method using starch as complexing agent is described herein. Phase evolution and development of the specific surface area during the decomposition process of (LaFe)-gels were monitored up to
1000 °C. A phase-pure nano-sized LaFeO3 powder with a high specific surface area of 25.7 m2/g and a crystallite size of 37 nm was obtained after calcining at 570 °C. TEM investigations reveal a porous powder with particles in the range of 20 to 60 nm. Calcinations
to 1000 °C result in crystallite sizes up to 166 nm. Dilatometric measurements of the sintering behaviour show that the beginning of shrinkage of pellets from the nano-sized powder is downshifted by more than 300 °C compared to coarse-grained mixed-oxide powder. The orthorhombic rhombohedral phase transition was observed at 980 °C in DTA measurements for coarse-grained ceramic bodies. The enthalpy change (DH) during the phase transition and the thermal expansion coefficient (adil) for ceramics was determined as 410
J/mol and 11.8×10-6 K-1, respectively. Whereas the enthalpy changes during the phase transition of the nano-sized LaFeO3 powders are £ 200 J/mol.